Who rockets traded for chris paul

Houston Rockets star James Harden is opting out of the basketball World Cup in China, the Houston Chronicle reported on Friday. Harden, speaking at a charity event, told the newspaper he wants to spend the rest of the NBA off-season preparing to play with a new-look Rockets, who acquired Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook in a trade for Chris Paul this month. Houston's Eric Gordon and P.J. Tucker are currently slated to play for the USA, which will hold a training camp in Las Vegas August 5-9 before the World Cup begins in China on August 31. Harden's decision comes days after news broke that Anthony Davis -- the former New Orleans Pelicans star who just signed to team with LeBron James at the Los Angeles Lakers -- had withdrawn from consideration for the US World Cup team that will be coached by San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. … [Read more...] about Rockets star Harden will skip basketball World Cup

Russell Westbrook has been traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Houston Rockets for Chris Paul and two first-round NBA draft picks, according to multiple reports Thursday. The Houston Chronicle and ESPN, each citing unnamed sources, reported the agreement, the latest blockbuster move in an NBA off-season of major relocations for NBA stars and huge lineup changes for many clubs. Eight-time All-Star Westbrook, the 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player, will be reunited with 2018 NBA MVP James Harden, his former Thunder teammate who was traded to the Rockets in 2012. Harden and Westbrook had wanted to reunite the backcourt tandem they enjoyed for three seasons with the Thunder. "It'll be very interesting and fun," Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta told Houston's Fox 26 TV. "James and Russell wanted to play together. "I said at the end of the year we're never going to stand pat. We're always going to try to get better. I think this makes us a better team. I hate to lose Chris Paul, but we felt … [Read more...] about Thunder trade Westbrook to Houston for Paul, picks: reports

Jeff Zillgitt USA TODAY Published 9:30 PM EDT Jul 11, 2019 Russell Westbrook and James Harden are teammates again — this time with the Houston Rockets. And now the Rockets have the 2017 MVP (Westbrook) and 2018 MVP (Harden). Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti continues to reshape the team's future, sending Westbrook to the Rockets for Chris Paul and two first-round draft picks, a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is announced by the teams. Oklahoma City in the past week has moved fast when it comes to trading All-Stars. First, it was Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers, and now it’s Westbrook to the Rockets, where he will join former Thunder teammate Harden. After the Thunder traded George for five first-round round picks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari, it became apparent Westbrook’s time in Oklahoma City was … [Read more...] about Russell Westbrook traded for Chris Paul in blockbuster deal

NBA All-Star guard Russell Westbrook, who suddenly finds himself on a rebuilding Oklahoma City Thunder squad after they traded away Paul George, could be traded to the Houston Rockets, according to reports Sunday. The Rockets are interested in a deal for the point guard even though one source told ESPN it was a "longshot" because of the difficulty in making such a move, involving multiple other teams or obtaining talent the Thunder desire. The Athletic website also reported Houston's interest in Westbrook, saying that Miami and Detroit were hopefuls in making a deal for the versatile 30-year-old playmaker. Oklahoma City turned to rebuilding thoughts after George asked for a trade and the Los Angeles Clippers assembled a deal involving five first-round NBA Draft picks plus Italian forward Danilo Gallinari and Canadian point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The shock move completed early Saturday leaves Westbrook on a team looking to rebuild and likely looking for a trade deal himself. NBA … [Read more...] about Rockets eye deal for Thunder star Westbrook: reports

NBA scoring champion James Harden and playmaker Chris Paul would have Philadelphia star Jimmy Butler as a new teammate if the Houston Rockets get their way, ESPN reported Wednesday. Unnamed league sources told the US-based telecaster that the Rockets want Butler to push the 76ers for a sign-and-trade deal that would let the All-Star forward move to Houston. The Rockets, who lack salary cap room for the deal, would potentially have to involve a third team in the deal and potentially part with center Clint Capela, forward P.J. Tucker or guard Eric Gordon to make any swap work under NBA contract rules. The Sixers would see some compensation for Butler compared to if he departed as a free agent but they also could sign him to a long-term deal of their own. NBA free agency opens Sunday and the 76ers can offer Butler the best possible terms at $190 million over five years. The Rockets could pitch $140 million over four seasons. Philadelphia obtained Butler last November in a trade with … [Read more...] about Rockets eye NBA deal for Butler with Sixers: report